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How to Grow Figs: A Beginner’s Guide to Planting, Caring for, and Harvesting Fig Trees

fig fruit on a table, one cut open
Image Credit:
Katrin Shine
Botanical Name
Ficus carica
Grown as
Perennial
USDA Zones
8a
8b
9a
9b
10a
10b
11a
11b
Toxicity
Toxic to Dogs and Cats
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Water Needs
Moderate
Height
10–20 feet
Spread
10-20 feet
Soil pH
Neutral
Alkaline
Bloom Time
Spring
Flower Color
White
Special Features
Container-Friendly
Low Maintenance
Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Songbirds
Resilience
Drought-Tolerant
Heat-Tolerant
Plant Type
Fruit
Written By: Catherine Boeckmann Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

Fig-get about fussy fruit trees—figs are surprisingly easy to grow! With their lush leaves and candy-sweet fruit, fig trees bring a taste of the tropics to your backyard, patio, or even sunny windowsill. 

Whether you’re in a warm zone or bracing for winter chills, we’ll show you how to grow this ancient superfruit right at home. Let’s get figgy with it!

Figs thrive in areas with long and hot summers (Zones 8 and warmer), though they can also be grown in colder zones if properly insulated from freezing temperatures or grown in containers and brought indoors.

The common fig tree (Ficus carica) is the most popular fig species for home gardeners because its flowers do not require pollination to yield figs. Many varieties of the common fig tree exist, including hardy cultivars that can be grown outdoors in slightly cooler climates (Zones 6 and 7).

Planting

Figs can be planted outdoors without much trouble in Zone 8 and warmer. In zones where winter temperatures get colder than 10°F (-12 °C) for periods of time, be sure to choose a hardy fig variety.

When to Plant Fig Trees

Plant fig trees outdoors in the early spring or late fall when they are dormant. Alternatively, figs can be grown in large containers and brought inside for the winter.

How to Plant Fig Trees

  • For container fig trees, grow them in a soil-based potting mix and add fine bark chips to improve drainage. Keep the tree in full sun in the summer. In the spring and summer, be sure to add a high-nitrogen fertilizer every 4 weeks and water the tree moderately. In the winter, move the tree indoors and keep the soil moist.
  • For outdoor fig trees, plant the tree in the spring or early fall in full sun. Fig trees can grow in most types of soil as long as the soil is well-draining and contains plenty of organic material. (Learn more about organic soil amendments.)
  • Space fig trees at least 20 feet away from buildings or other trees.
  • If given the chance, fig trees put down deep roots, so bear that in mind when choosing a planting spot.
  • To plant container-grown trees in the ground:
    1. Remove the plant from its pot and remove any circling roots by laying the root ball on its side and using shears to cut through the roots.
    2. Dig a hole that is a few inches deeper and wider than the spread of the roots. Set the tree on top of a small mound of soil in the middle of the hole. Be sure to spread the roots away from the trunk without excessively bending them.
    3. Plant the tree 2 to 4 inches deeper than it was originally in the pot (check the color of the trunk to see the original soil line).

Fig tree and fig fruit

Growing

Caring for Fig Trees

  • Water young fig trees regularly to help them become established. In areas with dry climates, water fig trees deeply at least once a week.
  • Unless grown in containers, most fig trees do not require regular fertilization. However, if your fig tree is not growing much (less than 12 inches in one growing season), you can add 1/2 to 1 pound of nitrogen supplement. Divide up the nitrogen into 3 to 4 feedings. Start applying the nitrogen in late winter and end in midsummer.
  • You can also apply a layer of mulch around the tree to help prevent weeds and keep moisture in the roots.
  • Fig trees require little pruning. During the dormant season, be sure to remove all dead, diseased, or weak branches to encourage growth.
  • If you have an abundant growth of figs, you can thin the fruit to encourage larger figs.
  • In colder regions, bring container-grown fig trees indoors for the winter. Keep the soil moist.
  • If your area experiences a particularly cold winter, fig trees planted outdoors may die back to the ground. If the tree is of a hardy variety, its belowground areas will likely be unaffected. Remove all dead wood while the tree is still dormant, and watch for new growth in the spring. 

Harvesting

Harvesting Figs

  • You should harvest figs only when they are fully ripe, as they will not continue to ripen off the tree. The figs should be fully colored and slightly soft to the touch.
  • You may need to invest in netting to protect your crop; figs are a favorite of birds and squirrels.
  • When picking figs, wear gloves or long sleeves because the sap from the fig tree can irritate your skin.
  • Figs are very perishable. Store figs in the refrigerator; they will keep for 2 to 3 days.
  • For long-term storage, you can freeze figs whole for later use. Another storage method is to dry the figs. You can also can your own figs.
how to harvest figs

Pests and Problems

  • Root-knot nematodes
  • Leaf spots
  • Rust
  • Thrips
  • Twig dieback

Types

  • ‘Brown Turkey’ produces abundant medium to large figs. This type works best in warm climates but is fairly tolerant of cooler temperatures, too.
  • ‘Celeste’ produces small, sweet, purplish figs. It is one of the more winter-hardy varieties.
  • ‘Hardy Chicago’ is a winter-hardy variety that produces purple, medium-size figs.
  • ‘King’ is well adapted for the cooler conditions found in the Northwest. It produces medium figs that are sweet and rich in flavor.
  • ‘Kadota’ vigorously produces small to medium fruit. Its figs are rich and sweet, and it is the most commonly canned fig.

Wit and Wisdom

  • A fig can be eaten fresh from the tree, dried, or used in cooking. A single fig is only 50 calories and provides higher mineral and fiber content than most fruits, nuts, or vegetables. 
  • Figs soak up cholesterol, promote healthy bowel movements, reduce heart disease, regulate kidney and liver functions, lower blood pressure, and even inhibit some cancers. Plus, figs are packed with calcium, which reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis. They also contain phosphorus, which helps bones regrow.
  • “You can’t grow figs from thistles.”

Fruit

About The Author

Catherine Boeckmann

Catherine Boeckmann

Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

Catherine Boeckmann loves nature, stargazing, and gardening so it’s not surprising that she and The Old Farmer’s Almanac found each other. She leads digital content for the Almanac website, and is also a certified master gardener in the state of Indiana.

Read more from Catherine Boeckmann

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Comments

<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Mon, 08/29/2016 - 12:45

Hi, Jackie, Your figs may be facing a few difficulties.

• The fig trees may be too close together; they each need a 2- to 3-foot diameter clear space around them. If possible, move the trees (fall or early winter is a good time, or in the spring, and put a few feet between each diameter. If you do move them, consider the following, too:

• They like sweet (not acidic) soil, so have yours tested—a local coop extension, usually in a university can help you or get a kit at a nursery.

• The plants should get lots of sun—at least 8 hours per day, and lots of water throughout the summer. Soil should be moist but not soggy.

• Every season, the trees should get 8-8-8 fertilizer (about one-third of a pound if the trees are younger than 2 years; when they are older, give them about a pound of fertilizer for every foot in their height). Spread the fertilizer throughout the season, not all at once.

Those are the basics for just about any type of fig. We hope this helps!

 <span>Cynthia Maddox</span> Mon, 08/15/2016 - 16:10
I love figs but had not had them in 40 years because I moved out of Alabama and lived in places where they didn't have them growing. I am in S. Indiana and lucked up on some trees at Walmart.I planted two fig trees in 2014 They actually produced a lot of fruit last year and it was delicious. This year, I again have a lot of fruit but the sweetness is gone. They're virtually bland. They look beautiful but not something I want to eat. One tree is about 5 ft in height and the other is about 3 feet in height but they were only planted a week apart. What can I do to get that sweetness back?
<span>Janel</span> Sat, 09/10/2016 - 16:30
Cynthia, Many times bland figs are caused by too much water. If you've had a lot of rain as the figs ripen, this will cause them to lose their sugar content. Also, make sure to pick them when they are absolutely ripe. This usually means they are quite "ugly". Look for drooping of the neck, shriveling of the skin. Some figs will even produce a drop of sugary/honey at the eye of the fig. Hope this helps for next year.
<span>Bernie Bernhardt</span> Fri, 08/12/2016 - 23:23
at what age does the fig tree start producing fruit
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Mon, 08/15/2016 - 11:51

Hi Bernie, Fig trees tend to have a long juvenile period, so it might be 3 to 5 years before the fig tree produces quality fruit.

 <span>Ringness</span> Sat, 08/06/2016 - 22:17
I have a small fig tree (about 3-4 years old) that never did anything until I fertilized it with composted cow manure this year, topped with a layer of cypress mulch and it took off like crazy. It's almost as tall as I am now and for the first time is producing figs (lots of small ones). However, they are not getting very large, maybe no more than twice the size of a marble, and do not appear to ripen. After a bit of time, they simply fall off the tree. What's wrong?? Is this normal for the first crop of figs?
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Mon, 08/08/2016 - 14:06

Some fig varieties will drop fruit prematurely in hot weather, regardless of the quality of plant care. Or, there are certain fig plants that require cross-pollination by a special wasp or they don't set a good crop. You may want to bring a sample to your local cooperative extension or local nursery specialist.

 <span>Carolina</span> Fri, 08/05/2016 - 18:27
I have a fig tree that is now about 8 years old. It grows and has leaves but It hasnt produced any fruit yet. What do I need to do? Thanks
<span>Nikki Egan</span> Fri, 07/22/2016 - 14:17
My fig bush is getting to be a fig TREE now -- about ten feet tall. I don't want to do any damage to the tree nor the unripe figs when I harvest the ripe ones. What sort of tool is used to reach the ripe figs too high to touch? I'd prefer not to climb a ladder. Would you suggest the same kind of 'cup-on-a-stick' that is used to reach grapefruits -- or what? Thank you and best wishes!
<span>Clyde</span> Sun, 03/05/2017 - 12:34
Hi Nikki, My fig tree's are about 10 yrs. old and only 5 ft. tall, width about 12 ft.,People think I'm crazy but I prune my fruit tree's so they grow wide instead of tall, I'm old and fragile and don't want to climb a ladder. Figs are easy but my Orange tree's on the other hand want to go UP, so I prune tops hard and cut all suckers an water sprouts off at their base. I have had GREAT success this way. Maybe you can do the same thing. Hope this helps you.